By bus and ferry (most common)
The standard route: a bus or minivan from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani (roughly 3 hours), followed by a ferry to Koh Samui's Nathon or Maenam pier (45 minutes on a fast catamaran, up to 1.5 hours on a standard ferry). Combined tickets covering both legs, often with hotel pickup, are the easiest way to book this — total journey time runs 4-6 hours depending on connections.
By direct flight (fastest)
Bangkok Airways flies directly from Krabi Airport to Koh Samui Airport in around 50 minutes. It's significantly pricier than the bus-and-ferry option but saves the better part of a day — worth it if you're short on time or travelling with young children.
Which pier matters
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, so where your ferry docks affects your onward journey — Nathon and Lipa Noi piers are a further 30-40 minute drive from Chaweng, one of the island's main tourist areas. Factor this into total travel time.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Krabi to Koh Samui?
Yes — Bangkok Airways operates a direct flight taking around 50 minutes, though it's priced well above the bus-and-ferry combination.
How long does the bus and ferry option take?
Around 4-6 hours in total: roughly 3 hours by bus or minivan from Krabi to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, then 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by ferry depending on the boat.